U.S. patent number 10,135,167 [Application Number 15/756,243] was granted by the patent office on 2018-11-20 for contact lamella part and plug connector with contact lamella part.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik GmbH & Co. KG. The grantee listed for this patent is ROSENBERGER HOCHFREQUENZTECHNIK GMBH & CO. KG. Invention is credited to Christian Maier, Michael Wollitzer.
United States Patent |
10,135,167 |
Wollitzer , et al. |
November 20, 2018 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Contact lamella part and plug connector with contact lamella
part
Abstract
A contact lamella part for transmitting an electrical current or
signal between a first contact element, such as a contact socket,
and a second contact element which can be coupled thereto, such as
a contact pin, having a plurality of contact lamellae extending
substantially parallel to one another in a longitudinal direction
(L), each having a contact zone for contacting the first contact
element and/or the second contact element, wherein the contact zone
of a first contact lamella is arranged offset in the longitudinal
direction (L) in relation to the contact zone of a second contact
lamella.
Inventors: |
Wollitzer; Michael (Fridolfing,
DE), Maier; Christian (Griesstatt, DE) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ROSENBERGER HOCHFREQUENZTECHNIK GMBH & CO. KG |
Fridolfing |
N/A |
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik
GmbH & Co. KG (Fridolfing, DE)
|
Family
ID: |
54481881 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/756,243 |
Filed: |
August 23, 2016 |
PCT
Filed: |
August 23, 2016 |
PCT No.: |
PCT/EP2016/001423 |
371(c)(1),(2),(4) Date: |
February 28, 2018 |
PCT
Pub. No.: |
WO2017/054896 |
PCT
Pub. Date: |
April 06, 2017 |
Prior Publication Data
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|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20180248290 A1 |
Aug 30, 2018 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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|
|
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Sep 29, 2015 [DE] |
|
|
20 2015 006 807 U |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R
13/187 (20130101); H01R 13/111 (20130101); H01R
4/4881 (20130101); H01R 43/16 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H01R
13/187 (20060101); H01R 4/48 (20060101); H01R
13/11 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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|
|
|
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2049739 |
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Apr 1972 |
|
DE |
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2720322 |
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Apr 2014 |
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EP |
|
Primary Examiner: Patel; Harshad C
Attorney, Agent or Firm: DeLio, Peterson & Curcio, LLC
Curcio; Robert
Claims
Thus, having described the invention, what is claimed is:
1. A contact lamella part for the transmission of an electrical
current or signals between a first contact element and a second
contact element which can be coupled therewith, with a plurality of
contact lamellae extending substantially parallel to one another in
a longitudinal direction (L), in each case with a contact zone for
establishing electrical contact with the first contact element
and/or the second contact element, wherein the contact zone of a
first contact lamella is arranged offset in the longitudinal
direction (L) in relation to the contact zone of a second contact
lamella, wherein the contact lamellae each have torsion web which,
starting out from a first lamella end, is increasingly tilted out
of a lamella plane, at least in the contact zone, wherein the
lamella plane is a tangent plane to an untilted surface of the
torsion web, wherein the torsion web has a first width (B1), at
least in the region the contact zone, such that the torsion web
transitions, in the direction of the other lamella end, into a
connecting bar with a second width (B2) which is less than the
first width (B1).
2. The contact lamella part of claim 1, wherein the contact
lamellae are, at least in the region of their contact zones, in
each case twisted around their own longitudinal axis (A).
3. The contact lamella part according of claim 1, wherein the first
contact lamella is adjacent to the second contact lamella.
4. The contact lamella part of claim 1, wherein the contact zones
of adjacent contact lamellae are arranged alternatingly in two
contact planes (E1, E2) spaced apart from one another and running
perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
5. The contact lamella part of claim 1, wherein a first partial
quantity of the contact lamellae exhibit a first specified width
progression along their longitudinal axis (A) and a second partial
quantity of the contact lamellae exhibit a second specified width
progression along the longitudinal axis (A) which differs from the
first width progression and substantially represents an inversion
of the first width progression.
6. The contact lamella part of claim 5, wherein the contact
lamellae of the first partial quantity and the contact lamellae of
the second partial quantity alternate.
7. The contact lamella part of claim 1, wherein the torsion webs of
at least two adjacent contact lamellae are tilted, in relation to
their lamella planes, in the same direction around their respective
longitudinal axes (A).
8. The contact lamella part according to claim 7, wherein the
second width (B2) is less than half as wide as the first width
(B1).
9. The contact lamella part of claim 8, wherein the two connecting
bars of two adjacent contact lamellae are arranged offset in
relation to one another, at two opposite lamella ends, in such a
way that no sectional plane intersects both connecting bars.
10. The contact lamella part of claim 7, wherein the torsion web
extends with a substantially constant first width (B1) over more
than 75% of the overall length of the contact lamella.
11. The contact lamella part of claim 7, wherein the torsion web
extends with a substantially constant first width (B1) over more
than half of the overall length of the contact lamella.
12. The contact lamella part of claim 1, wherein the contact zones
of the contact lamellae in each case have a first lateral edge for
establishing electrical contact with the first contact element
under elastic preload and/or a second lateral edge on the opposite
side of the longitudinal axis (A) of the respective contact lamella
for establishing electrical contact with the second contact element
under elastic preload.
13. The contact lamella part of claim 12, wherein a geometrical
connecting line between the first lateral edge and the second
lateral edge runs substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal
direction (L).
14. The contact lamella part of claim 1, wherein the contact
lamellae in each case extend between a first connecting body such
as a first support strip or support ring and a second connecting
body, spaced apart therefrom in the longitudinal direction (L),
such as a second support strip or support ring.
15. The contact lamella part of claim 1, wherein, in order to form
a lamellar cage or lamellar cages, the contact lamellae are
provided in an arrangement extending, at least in sections, in a
peripheral direction (U), partially annular or annular
arrangement.
16. The contact lamella part of claim 1, wherein the torsion webs
of all contact lamellae are tilted, in relation to their lamella
planes, in the same direction around their respective longitudinal
axes (A).
17. A plug connector with a contact socket for coupling with a
contact pin in a plugging direction (S) running parallel to the
longitudinal direction (L) of a contact lamella having a contact
lamella part, for the transmission of an electrical current or
signals between a first contact element and a second contact
element which can be coupled therewith, with a plurality of said
contact lamellae extending substantially parallel to one another in
a longitudinal direction (L), in each case with a contact zone for
establishing electrical contact with the first contact element
and/or the second contact element, wherein the contact zone of a
first contact lamella is arranged offset in the longitudinal
direction (L) in relation to the contact zone of a second contact
lamella, wherein the contact lamellae each have torsion web which,
starting out from a first lamella end, is increasingly tilted out
of a lamella plane, at least in the contact zone, wherein the
lamella plane is a tangent plane to an untilted surface of the
torsion web, wherein the torsion web has a first width (B1), at
least in the region the contact zone, such that the torsion web
transitions, in the direction of the other lamella end, into a
connecting bar with a second width (B2) which is less than the
first width (B1), wherein the contact lamella part is held in the
contact socket.
18. The plug connector of claim 17, wherein the contact zones of
the contact lamellae are twisted and/or tilted around the
respective lamella axis (A) such that their first lateral edges
establish electrical contact with an inner wall of the contact
socket surrounding the contact lamella part and their second
lateral edges project into an inner volume surrounded by the
contact lamella part designed to receive the contact pin.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a contact lamella part for the
transmission of an electrical current or of an electrical signal
between a first contact element and a second contact element which
can be coupled therewith. The contact lamella part has a plurality
of contact lamellae extending substantially parallel to one another
in a longitudinal direction, in each case with a contact zone for
establishing electrical contact with the first contact element
and/or the second contact element.
The first contact element is for example a contact socket into
which the second contact element, in the form of a contact pin or
contact plug, can be introduced in a plugging direction for the
purpose of coupling, whereby the contact lamella part forms a
current flow path between the contact socket and the contact plug.
The invention further relates to a plug connector having such a
contact lamella part.
2. Description of Related Art
Contact lamella parts with a plurality of contact lamellae for the
transmission of electrical currents or signals between two contact
elements are known. The contact lamellae are thereby often elastic
or flexible in design such that in the coupled state they lie,
under a mechanical preload, closely against at least one of the
contact elements in order, in this way, to ensure a low contact
resistance between the contact lamella part and the contact
element.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the problems described, it is the object of the present
invention to provide a contact lamella part suitable for the
transmission of high current or HF signals which at the same time
allows particularly simple installation.
This object is achieved according to the invention by means of a
contact lamella part with the characterizing features of the
independent claims including by means of a plug connector.
Advantageous further developments of the invention are described in
the dependent claims.
The above and other objects, which will be apparent to those
skilled in the art, are achieved in the present invention which is
directed to a contact lamella part for the transmission of an
electrical current or signals between a first contact element and a
second contact element which can be coupled therewith, with a
plurality of contact lamellae extending substantially parallel to
one another in a longitudinal direction (L), in each case with a
contact zone for establishing electrical contact with the first
contact element and/or the second contact element, wherein the
contact zone of a first contact lamella is arranged offset in the
longitudinal direction (L) in relation to the contact zone of a
second contact lamella, wherein the contact lamellae each have
torsion web which, starting out from a first lamella end, is
increasingly tilted out of a lamella plane, at least in the contact
zone, wherein the lamella plane is a tangent plane to an untilted
surface of the torsion web, wherein the torsion web has a first
width (B1), at least in the region the contact zone, such that the
torsion web transitions, in the direction of the other lamella end,
into a connecting bar with a second width (B2) which is less than
the first width (B1).
The contact lamellae are, at least in the region of their contact
zones, in each case twisted around their own longitudinal axis
(A).
The first contact lamella is preferably adjacent to the second
contact lamella.
The contact zones of adjacent contact lamellae may be arranged
alternatingly in two contact planes (E1, E2) spaced apart from one
another and running perpendicular to the longitudinal
direction.
A first partial quantity of the contact lamellae exhibit a first
specified width progression along their longitudinal axis (A) and a
second partial quantity of the contact lamellae exhibit a second
specified width progression along the longitudinal axis (A) which
differs from the first width progression and substantially
represents an inversion of the first width progression.
Additionally, the contact lamellae of the first partial quantity
and the contact lamellae of the second partial quantity may
alternate.
The torsion webs of at least two adjacent contact lamellae are
tilted, in relation to their lamella planes, in the same direction
around their respective longitudinal axes (A).
The second width (B2) may be less than half as wide as the first
width (B1).
The two connecting bars of two adjacent contact lamellae are
arranged offset in relation to one another, at two opposite lamella
ends, in such a way that no sectional plane intersects both
connecting bars.
The torsion web extends with a substantially constant first width
(B1) over more than 75% of the overall length of the contact
lamella.
The contact zones of the contact lamellae in each case have a first
lateral edge for establishing electrical contact with the first
contact element under elastic preload and/or a second lateral edge
on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis (A) of the respective
contact lamella for establishing electrical contact with the second
contact element under elastic preload.
A geometrical connecting line between the first lateral edge and
the second lateral edge runs substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal direction (L).
The contact lamellae in each case extend between a first connecting
body such as a first support strip or support ring and a second
connecting body, spaced apart therefrom in the longitudinal
direction (L), such as a second support strip or support ring.
Furthermore, in order to form a lamellar cage or lamellar cages,
the contact lamellae are provided in an arrangement extending, at
least in sections, in a peripheral direction (U), in a partially
annular or annular arrangement.
In a second aspect, the present invention is directed to a plug
connector with a contact socket for coupling with a contact pin in
a plugging direction (S) running parallel to the longitudinal
direction (L) of a contact lamella part, for the transmission of an
electrical current or signals between a first contact element and a
second contact element which can be coupled therewith, with a
plurality of contact lamellae extending substantially parallel to
one another in a longitudinal direction (L), in each case with a
contact zone for establishing electrical contact with the first
contact element and/or the second contact element, wherein the
contact zone of a first contact lamella is arranged offset in the
longitudinal direction (L) in relation to the contact zone of a
second contact lamella, wherein the contact lamellae each have
torsion web which, starting out from a first lamella end, is
increasingly tilted out of a lamella plane, at least in the contact
zone, wherein the lamella plane is a tangent plane to an untilted
surface of the torsion web, wherein the torsion web has a first
width (B1), at least in the region the contact zone, such that the
torsion web transitions, in the direction of the other lamella end,
into a connecting bar with a second width (B2) which is less than
the first width (B1), wherein the contact lamella part is held in
the contact socket.
The plug connector having contact zones of the contact lamellae
that are twisted and/or tilted around the respective lamella axis
(A) such that their first lateral edges establish electrical
contact with an inner wall of the contact socket surrounding the
contact lamella part and their second lateral edges project into an
inner volume surrounded by the contact lamella part designed to
receive the contact pin.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The features of the invention believed to be novel and the elements
characteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in
the appended claims. The figures are for illustration purposes only
and are not drawn to scale. The invention itself, however, both as
to organization and method of operation, may best be understood by
reference to the detailed description which follows taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a contact lamella part according
to the invention in a schematic view;
FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of a contact lamella part
according to the invention in a schematic view;
FIG. 3A shows a third embodiment of a contact lamella part
according to the invention in a perspective view;
FIG. 3B shows the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A in a frontal
view;
FIG. 4 shows the embodiment of a contact lamella part according to
the invention shown in FIG. 3A together with a contact element in
the form of a contact pin;
FIG. 5A shows a plug connector according to the invention with a
contact lamella part received in a contact socket;
FIG. 5B shows the plug connector shown in FIG. 5A in a perspective
view; and
FIG. 6 shows a plug connector with a conventional contact lamella
part.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
In describing the preferred embodiment of the present invention,
reference will be made herein to FIGS. 1-6 of the drawings in which
like numerals refer to like features of the invention.
As shown in FIG. 6, contact lamella parts can be held, in the
manner of a lamellar cage 620, in the interior of a contact socket
600 such that the contact lamellae of the contact lamella part
project, at least in sections, into a receiving space in order to
receive a contact pin 610. For this purpose, for example
centrally-arranged contact sections of the contact lamellae have a
bend projecting radially inwards. If the contact pin 610, which is
complementary in design to the contact socket 600, is introduced
into the receiving space, the contact lamellae are elastically
deformed, radially outwards, and then in a coupled state lie
closely against the contact pin 610 under a mechanical preload.
However, it has been found that comparatively high plugging forces
are necessary for the coupling of plugged connections which are
equipped with such contact lamella parts, since the contact
lamellae thereby need to be elastically deformed. Furthermore, in
particular for the transmission of high electrical currents or for
the transmission of high frequency signals, a particularly low
contact resistance is necessary which cannot be reliably and
lastingly provided by means of conventional contact lamella
parts.
A contact lamella part according to the invention is distinguished
in that the contact zone of a first contact lamella is arranged
offset in the longitudinal direction in relation to the contact
zone of a second contact lamella.
The contact zone of a contact lamella can be understood to mean
that section along the longitudinal axis of the contact lamella in
which, in a coupled state, the contact lamella lies, under elastic
preload, against at least one contact element such as a contact pin
or against two contact elements such as a contact pin and a contact
socket. The contact lamella can thereby be elastically deformable
in the contact zone, transversely to its longitudinal direction, so
that on coupling the first contact element and the second contact
element, between which the contact lamella acts, it is pressed,
under mechanical preload, into close contact with at least one of
the contact elements, in particular being pressed against both
contact elements.
For example, the contact lamella has in its contact zone a bend,
curvature, torsion, or is tilted, twisted, inclined at an angle or
similar, so that in the contact zone it projects, at least in
sections, from a lamella plane, whereby this projecting section is
provided in order to establish contact with at least one contact
element under mechanical preload. In this context, a lamella plane
is understood to mean a plane which extends through the
longitudinal axis of the contact lamella and a transverse axis in
the direction of the lamella width.
With an arrangement in which the contact zones of two contact
lamellae are offset in the longitudinal direction there is at least
one sectional plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis which
only intersects the contact zone of one of the two contact
lamellae. In other words, the contact zone of the first contact
lamella does not extend, in the longitudinal direction of the
lamella, over the same longitudinal section as the contact zone of
the second contact lamella. In particular, the contact zone of the
first contact lamella is arranged offset from the contact zone of
the second contact lamella in such a way that there is no sectional
plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis which intersects both
contact zones. In other words, the contact zone of the first
contact lamella has already ended, in the longitudinal direction,
when the contact zone of the second contact lamella begins.
Alternatively, the contact zones of the two contact lamellae only
run next to one another in the longitudinal direction over a
specified partial section.
The distance between the contact zone of the first contact lamella
(or that point of the contact zone which projects furthest from the
lamella plane) and the contact zone of the second contact lamella
(or that point of the contact zone which projects furthest from the
lamella plane) in the longitudinal direction can be more than 10%,
preferably more than 20%, in particular 40% or more of the overall
length of the contact lamellae.
The invention is based on the knowledge that in conventional
contact lamella parts the contact zones of all contact lamellae lie
in the same sectional plane, in particular in each case in the
middle of the respective contact lamella. During the coupling
procedure, the contact zones of all contact lamellae must therefore
be elastically deformed at the same time in order for these to be
brought to lie closely against the contact element. For this
reason, a particularly high plugging force must be applied at a
particular point in time, which makes the installation procedure
more difficult. In contrast, in the contact lamella part according
to the invention the contact zones of individual contact lamellae
are arranged offset in relation to one another in the longitudinal
direction, so that during the coupling procedure the first contact
lamella is elastically deformed first, and only then is the second
contact lamella elastically deformed. As a result, the maximum
plugging force which needs to be applied is reduced and in
particular halved, and at the same time a good contact resistance
can be provided.
Furthermore, since, in the contact lamella part according to the
invention, the contact zones of two contact lamellae lie in two
sectional planes spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal
direction of the lamellae, not only a good electrical contact but
also a reliable mechanical connection between the contact lamella
part and the contact elements can be provided, since at least two
spaced-apart contact points are provided along the longitudinal
axis of the contact lamellae at which the contact lamella lies
against the contact element. This can stabilize a coupled state
between the two contact elements.
In order to achieve a reliable electrical contact between the
contact zones of the contact lamellae and the contact elements
which are to be brought into contact therewith, it has proved
expedient if the contact lamellae are, at least in the region of
their contact zones, in each case twisted and/or inclined at an
angle around their own longitudinal axis.
A twist around its own axis is understood to mean a twisting, a
rotation and/or a tilting of the contact lamella over the course of
its longitudinal extension. A twist can for example be provided in
that a first cross-sectional surface of the contact lamella in a
first sectional plane running perpendicular to the longitudinal
axis substantially corresponds to a second cross-sectional surface
of the contact lamella in a second sectional plane which is spaced
apart therefrom, but is twisted or tilted by a specified angle in
relation to the first cross-sectional surface.
For example, the contact lamella has, at least in sections, the
form of a web with a specified web width in a width direction,
wherein the web is, over the course of the longitudinal axis of the
contact lamella, increasingly tilted in relation to the original
width direction. In some embodiments, the width direction of the
web in an untilted web section and the longitudinal axis of the web
define the lamella plane, wherein the web is increasingly tilted
along its longitudinal extension in relation to the lamella plane,
for example up to a tilting angle of more than 5.degree. and less
than 90.degree., in particular more than 15.degree. and less than
45.degree.. The contact lamella preferably exhibits the maximum
tilting angle in relation to the lamella plane in the contact zone
which is provided in order to establish electrical contact with the
first contact element and/or the second contact element.
Preferably, in each sectional plane the longitudinal axis of the
contact lamella substantially runs through the middle of the
lamella. In other words, the contact lamella does not as a whole
follow a curved or bent path in its longitudinal direction, but
follows a straight path which is, however, twisted around its own
axis. Alternatively, according to the invention a path of the
contact lamella which twists around its own axis and at the same
time is curved in relation to the longitudinal axis is conceivable.
In the case of a curved contact lamella, the longitudinal direction
L of the contact lamella also has a curved path which follows the
curved longitudinal extension of the contact lamella.
Contact lamellae with a bent or curved path in relation to the
longitudinal axis have contact points which are spaced far apart
from one another for establishing electrical contact with the two
contact elements. Thus, in the coupled state the contact lamella
part shown in FIG. 6 makes contact with the contact pin in the
middle of the contact lamellae and makes contact with the contact
socket at the two ends of the contact lamella part in the
longitudinal direction. The current conducting path thereby runs
from the middle of the contact lamellae in the longitudinal
direction of the contact lamellae as far as the two ends of the
contact lamella part. This can lead to a comparatively high contact
resistance through the contact lamella part and possibly associated
heating and losses.
In contrast, contact lamellae which are twisted or tilted around
their own longitudinal axis are suitable both for establishing
electrical contact with the first contact element and also for
establishing electrical contact with the second contact element
within a confined space, namely in the region of the contact zone.
This is because a first lateral edge of the tilted contact zone is
arranged on the opposite side of the lamella plane from the second
lateral edge of the contact zone, so that the current conducting
path can substantially run through the contact lamellae in a
transverse direction.
In a particularly preferred embodiment, the contact lamella is
inclined at an angle in the contact zone such that the current
conducting path runs in a width direction from the first lateral
edge of the contact zone to the second lateral edge of the contact
zone, wherein the first lateral edge of the first contact element
and the second lateral edge make electrical contact with the second
contact element in substantially the same sectional plane.
Preferably, the first contact lamella is the contact lamella
adjacent to the second contact lamella. In other words, the first
contact lamella makes electrical contact with at least one of the
contact elements in a different sectional plane than the
immediately adjacent second contact lamella, which can run parallel
next to the first contact lamella. A local heating of the contact
lamella part and/or the contact elements can be reduced through
this "equalization" of the current flow paths provided through
immediately adjacent contact lamellae, which makes the contact
lamella part suitable for the transmission of high currents.
According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the contact zones
of the contact lamellae are arranged alternatingly in two contact
planes spaced apart from one another and running perpendicular to
the longitudinal direction. In other words, the contact zones of
two adjacent contact lamellae are in each case arranged in
different sectional planes. The contact planes in each case thereby
intersect that point of the respective contact zone at which the
contact zone projects furthest from the lamella plane. The distance
between the two contact planes in the longitudinal direction can be
more than 5 mm and less than 5 cm, in particular more than 1 cm and
less than 3 cm, which can correspond to more than 40% of the
overall length of the contact lamellae. The alternating arrangement
of the contact zones of adjacent contact lamellae improves coupling
stability on the one hand and on the other hand minimizes the
plugging force necessary for coupling, since this is applied at two
spaced-apart plugging positions, in each case with a force reduced
by around half.
In some embodiments, the contact zones of the contact lamellae are
not simply arranged alternatingly (XYXYXY etc.) in different
contact planes, but in a different sequence. For example, the
contact zones are provided in a multiply alternating sequence (for
example XXYYXXYY etc.) or a non-alternating sequence (for example
XYYXXX etc.). The term "alternatingly" used in the present
application also includes a multiply alternating sequence.
A contact lamella part according to the invention can also be used
to continue a shielding between a first contact element and a
second contact element. In this context it has proved advantageous
if a first partial quantity of the contact lamellae exhibit a first
specified width progression along their longitudinal axis and a
second partial quantity of the contact lamellae exhibit a second
specified width progression along the longitudinal axis which
differs from the first width progression. In certain designs, the
width progression of the first partial quantity of the contact
lamellae substantially represents an inversion of the first width
progression of the first partial quantity of the contact
lamellae.
The contact lamellae of the first partial quantity and the contact
lamellae of the second partial quantity can be provided
alternatingly. In other words, two adjacent contact lamellae in
each case have width progressions along the longitudinal direction
which differ from one another and are in particular inverted. For
example, starting out from one end of the contact lamella part, the
contact lamellae of the first partial quantity narrow by a
specified extent whereas, starting out from the same end of the
contact lamella part, the contact lamellae of the second partial
quantity widen by said specified extent.
This is because it has been found that such an alternating width
progression of adjacent contact lamellae can lead to an improved
shielding effect, in particular if the contact lamella part is
designed in the form of a preferably closed lamellar cage which can
surround the at least one signal-carrying conductor. If two
adjacent contact lamellae change their width progression next to
one another in the same degree, this leads to a particularly sudden
change in a shielding provided through the contact lamellae or to a
change in characteristic impedance over a short distance. An
alternatingly changing width progression of adjacent contact
lamellae "equalizes" such sudden changes in the shielding and leads
overall to a more constant characteristic impedance over the
longitudinal extension of the contact lamella part.
Preferably, the contact lamellae each have a torsion web which,
starting out from a first lamella end, is increasingly tilted out
of a lamella plane as it extends as far as the contact zone,
wherein the lamella plane is a tangent plane to an untilted surface
of the torsion web. Such so-called contact lamellae embodying the
"torsion spring principle" make possible a particularly low contact
resistance and defined contact points on the two contact elements
with a short current path over the individual lamellae.
In order to facilitate installation, the torsion webs of at least
two adjacent contact lamellae, in particular all contact lamellae,
are preferably tilted, in relation to their lamella planes, in the
same direction around their respective longitudinal axes.
In order to achieve an overall good shielding effect through the
contact lamella part it has proved advantageous if the torsion web
has a first width, at least in the region of the contact zone, and
transitions, in the direction of the other lamella end, into a
connecting bar with a second width which is less than the first
width, in particular less than half as wide. A comparatively wide
torsion web with small web thickness offers a modulus of torsion
which is particularly suitable for a torsion around its own axis. A
narrowing of the web width down to a thin connecting bar following
the contact zone which is to be twisted during the coupling
procedure improves the twistability of the contact zone and thus
facilitates the coupling procedure.
Preferably, the two connecting rods of two adjacent contact
lamellae are arranged offset in relation to one another in the
longitudinal direction such that no sectional plane running
perpendicular to the longitudinal direction intersects both
connecting rods. This prevents a gap being formed, at least in
certain regions, between two adjacent contact lamellae which can
have a negative effect in terms of providing a good shielding
effect.
In order to achieve a good shielding effect it has proved expedient
if the torsion web extends with a preferably substantially constant
width over more than half, in particular over more than 75% of the
overall length of the contact lamella. A long torsion web
facilitates the twistability or tiltability of the contact lamellae
during the coupling procedure. A constant width and in particular a
constant cross-sectional surface of the torsion webs make possible
a uniform distribution of stress along the contact lamellae as far
as the contact zone, which can in each case form an end of the
torsion web at which the torsion web can transition into the
narrower connecting bar.
This means that the contact lamellae can be divided into two
regions with different cross sections, namely the torsion web and
the connecting bar, wherein the torsion web holds one region
elastically and the connecting bar allows a shortened construction
design.
In order to achieve a low contact resistance between the contact
lamella part and the contact elements while providing a short
current path via the contact lamella part it has proved expedient
if the contact zones of the contact lamellae in each case have a
first lateral edge for establishing electrical contact with the
first contact element under elastic preload and/or a second lateral
edge on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis of the
respective contact lamella for establishing electrical contact with
the second contact element under elastic preload.
A particularly short current path can be provided in that a
geometrical connecting line between the first lateral edge of the
contact zone (or the point of the contact zone most distant from
the lamella plane on one side of the lamella plane) and the second
lateral edge (or the point of the contact zone most distant from
the lamella plane on the other side of the lamella plane) runs
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
In order to provide a compact component which can be introduced in
a simple manner between two contact elements, it has proved
advantageous if the contact lamellae in each case extend between a
first connecting body such as a first support strip or support ring
and a second connecting body, spaced apart therefrom in the
longitudinal direction, such as a second support strip or support
ring. The support ring is not necessarily round, but can also have
an angular geometry, for example a quadrangular geometry, in
particular a rectangular or square geometry or an oval geometry.
Preferably, the support ring is round, in particular circular.
The contact lamellae can connect the two connecting bodies with one
another. For example, the individual contact lamellae in each case
run between the two connecting bodies spaced apart at the same
distances from the two adjacent contact lamellae. The connecting
bodies can be provided in the form of transverse webs running
transversely, in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal
direction of the contact lamellae, in particular in the form of
support rings or support strips.
In some embodiments, the contact lamellae and the connecting bodies
in each case enclose an angle of 90.degree. between them. Such
embodiments can be designed in the form of straight lamellar cages.
In other embodiments, the contact lamellae in each case run at an
angle to the connecting bodies. For example, the angle between the
longitudinal axis of the respective contact lamella and the
direction of extension of the connecting bodies, designed in the
form of support strips, amounts in each case to more than
45.degree. and less than 90.degree., in particular more than
75.degree. and less than 90.degree.. Such embodiments can be
designed in the form of slanting lamellar cages. In the case of
slanting lamellar cages, the longitudinal direction of the contact
lamellae in each case does not run perpendicular to the direction
of extension of the support strip, and due to the curvature of the
longitudinal axes L of the contact lamellae resulting from their
slanting inclination, the individual contact lamellae do not run
exactly parallel to one another, but substantially parallel to one
another.
Lamellar cages do not necessarily have a circular geometry in cross
section, but can also be oval or angular. For example, a
rectangular geometry of the lamellar cage can be provided in order
to allow a contact blade to establish electrical contact within a
rectangular socket or similar.
One end of each contact lamella can be connected with the first
connecting body, and the opposite second end of each contact
lamella can be connected with the second connecting body, so that
the entirety of the contact lamellae can be held together by the
two connecting bodies. The contact lamella part can be manufactured
as a single-part or single-piece component, for example of metal.
For example, the contact lamella part can be designed in the form
of a stamped metal part. A support ring can be a completely
circumferential ring element or a partially circumferential ring
element which for example extends over an angle of more than
180.degree., in particular more than 270.degree..
In order to provide a compact component, it has also proved
expedient if, in order to form a lamellar cage, the contact
lamellae are provided in an arrangement extending, at least in
sections, in a peripheral direction, in particular in a
substantially (partially) annular arrangement. A contact lamella
part designed as a (partially) annular lamellar cage can for
example be received in a cylindrical plug socket (first contact
element), into which a cylindrical contact pin (second contact
element) can be plugged. Furthermore, a contact lamella part
designed as a (partially) annular lamellar cage can be arranged on
a cylindrical contact pin for the purpose of coupling with a plug
socket. The longitudinal direction of the contact lamellae thereby
corresponds to the coupling direction in which the contact pin can
be introduced into the contact socket.
A contact lamella part extending at least partially or completely
circumferentially in a peripheral direction can be manufactured in
that the two ends of an initially flat arrangement of two support
strips with contact lamellae running between them are brought
together with one another or connected one another, so that a
circumferential arrangement of contact lamellae results.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, a plug
connector is provided.
According to a first possible embodiment, the plug connector has a
contact socket for coupling with a contact pin, wherein a contact
lamella part according to one of the preceding claims is held in
the contact socket.
According to a second possible embodiment, the plug connector has a
contact pin for coupling with a contact socket, wherein a contact
lamella part according to one of the preceding claims is held on
the contact pin.
The contact pin or the contact socket can have a substantially
cylindrical form, and the contact lamella part can be designed in
the form of a partially annular or annular lamellar cage.
Alternatively, the contact pin can be designed in the form of a
contact blade and the contact socket can be designed in the form of
a rectangular socket. In this case the contact lamella part can
have an angular shape in cross section.
The contact pin can be coupled with the contact socket such that it
is introduced into the contact socket in a plugging direction
running parallel to the longitudinal axes of the contact lamellae
until the contact zones of the contact lamellae of the contact
lamella part make electrical contact, under mechanical preload,
with both the inner wall of the contact socket and also the outer
wall of the contact pin.
Preferably, the contact zones of the contact lamellae are in each
twisted or tilted around their respective lamella axis such that
their first lateral edges, directed radially outwards, serve to
establish electrical contact with an inner wall of the contact
socket and their second lateral edges, directed radially inwards,
project into an inner volume surrounded by the contact lamella part
designed to receive the contact pin.
In the following description, the invention is explained with
reference to the enclosed drawings:
FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a contact lamella part 100
according to the invention in a schematic view. The contact lamella
part 100 consists of two connecting bodies 250, 251, running in a
transverse direction in the form of support strips, between which a
plurality of contact lamellae 120, 121 running parallel to one
another in each case extend in a longitudinal direction L. The
connecting bodies 250, 251 thereby in each case extend in the
lamella plane and are designed in the form of support strips.
Starting out from the first connecting body 250, the contact
lamellae 120, 121 in each case extend as far as the second
connecting body 251 and are formed in a single piece with the two
connecting bodies, for example as a stamped part made of metal or
similar. Adjacent contact lamellae 120, 121 are in each case spaced
apart in the transverse direction at the same distance from one
another.
The contact lamella part 100 is intended for the transmission of an
electrical current or signals between a first contact element and a
second contact element (not shown). For this purpose, each contact
lamella has a contact zone 130, 131 projecting from the lamella
plane which is provided in order to establish electrical contact
with at least one contact element under preload. In the embodiment
shown in FIG. 1, the contact zones 130, 131 are in each case formed
as bulges or bends in the contact lamellae which are so resilient
that they are elastically deformable in the direction of the
lamella plane if the contact lamella part is received between two
(flat) contact elements.
The contact zone 130 of a first contact lamella 120 is thereby
arranged offset in the longitudinal direction L in relation to the
contact zone 131 of a second contact lamella 121, which is the
contact lamella adjacent to the first contact lamella 120. The
first contact zone 130 or the point on the first contact zone most
distant from the lamella plane is intersected by a first contact
plane E1 running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the
second contact zone 131 or the point on the second contact zone
most distant from the lamella plane is intersected by a second
contact plane E2 running perpendicular to the longitudinal
direction L which is spaced apart from the first contact plane E1
by a specified distance A1 along the longitudinal direction L. The
distance A1 can be more than 10% of the overall length of the
contact lamellae, in particular more than 40% of the overall length
of the contact lamellae.
The contact zones 130, 131 of two adjacent contact lamellae 120,
121 are in each case arranged in different contact planes E1, E2,
so that an alternating arrangement of contact zones is formed along
the transverse direction.
In the embodiment shown, the two connecting bodies 250, 251
designed in the form of support strips extend perpendicular to the
longitudinal axes L of the contact lamellae. A straight lamellar
cage is formed by rolling up the support strips illustrated in FIG.
1, with the contact lamellae running between them, to form a
ring.
In other embodiments according to the invention (not illustrated),
the longitudinal axes L of the contact lamellae in each case extend
at an angle (for example an angle between 45.degree. and
90.degree.) to the support strips running parallel to one another.
In this case a slanting lamellar cage is formed by rolling up the
two support strips to form a ring.
A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated
in FIG. 2, which shows a schematic representation of a contact
lamella part 200 according to the invention.
The contact lamella part 200 also has a plurality of contact
lamellae 220, 221 running approximately parallel next to one
another which in each case extend between a first connecting body
250 in the form of a support strip and a second connecting body 251
in the form of a support strip.
The contact lamellae 220, 221 in each case extend in a web-like
manner in a longitudinal direction L, while the connecting bodies
250, 251 formed in a single part therewith extend roughly
perpendicular thereto in the transverse direction. The transverse
direction and the longitudinal direction span a lamella plane which
corresponds here to the paper plane. A straight lamellar, cage is
formed by rolling up the support strips illustrated in FIG. 2, with
the contact lamella running between them, to form a ring.
In other embodiments of the invention (not illustrated), the
longitudinal axes L of the contact lamellae in each case extend at
an angle (for example an angle between 45.degree. and 90.degree.)
to the support strips running parallel to one another. In this case
a slanting lamellar cage is formed by rolling up the two support
strips to form a ring.
Each contact lamella 220, 221 has a contact zone 230, 231 for
establishing electrical contact with in each case two contact
elements.
The contact lamella part 200 is intended to be arranged between the
two contact elements for the transmission of an electrical current
between the contact elements. One contact element thereby makes
electrical contact with the contact zones of the contact lamellae
from one side of the lamella plane, and the other contact element
thereby makes electrical contact with the contact zones of the
contact lamellae from the other side of the lamella plane.
The contact lamellae 220, 221 are for this purpose designed in the
manner of torsion springs which are in each case tilted or inclined
at an angle around their own longitudinal axis A, at least in the
region of their contact zones 230, 231. A first lateral edge of the
contact zone thus lies on one side of the lamella plane (above the
paper plane) and serves to establish electrical contact with the
first contact element under elastic preload, and a second opposite
lateral edge of the contact zone lies on the other side of the
lamella plane (beneath the paper plane) and serves to establish
electrical contact with the second contact element under elastic
preload. This provides a particularly short current path which
leads, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L,
via the contact lamellae.
The contact zones 230, 231 of two adjacent contact lamellae are in
each case arranged offset in relation to one another in the
longitudinal direction. This results, overall, in an alternating
arrangement of contact zones in the direction of extension of the
connecting bodies 250, 251.
In other words, the contact zone 231 of a first contact lamella 221
(or the point on the contact zone most distant from the lamella
plane) is intersected by a first contact plane E1, and the contact
zone 230 of a second contact lamella 220 (or the point on the
contact zone most distant from the lamella plane) is intersected by
a second contact plane E2, which is spaced at a distance from the
first contact plane E1, wherein the distance A1 can be greater than
25% of the overall length of the contact lamellae, in particular
greater than 50% of the overall length of the contact lamellae.
The contact lamellae 220, 221 in each case have, on the one hand, a
torsion web 225, including the contact zones, with a first width B1
in the transverse direction, and on the other hand a thinner
connecting bar 226 with a second width B2 in the transverse
direction. The torsion web 225 extends, in each case starting out
from one of the connecting bodies 250, 251, in the direction of the
other connecting body 251, 250 as far as the contact zone, in which
it is tilted. Following the contact zone, the torsion web 225 in
each case transitions into the connecting bar 226 which connects
the torsion web with the other connecting body, thus stabilizing
the torsion web and making possible its elastic deformation
transversely to the lamella plane.
Two adjacent contact lamellae thereby in each case exhibit an
inverse width progression. For example, the torsion web of the
first contact lamella 220 is connected with the first connecting
body 250, and the connecting bar of the first contact lamella 220
is connected with the second connecting body 251. Conversely, the
connecting bar of the second contact lamella 221 is connected with
the first connecting body 250 and the torsion web of the second
contact lamella 221 is connected with the second connecting body
251. This results in an alternating width progression of the
contact lamellae, which leads to a contact lamella with a
particularly good shielding effect, since the thin connecting rods
226, which thus create a wide gap, are in each case arranged offset
in relation to one another.
The torsion webs 250 can thereby in each case extend over more than
half, in particular over more than 75% of the overall length of the
contact lamellae and preferably have a substantially constant web
width.
A third preferred embodiment of the invention in the form of a
straight lamellar cage is illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B. FIG. 3A
shows a contact lamella part 200 according to the invention in a
perspective view, and FIG. 3B shows the contact lamella part 200 in
a frontal view.
The contact lamella part 200 is designed in the manner of a
lamellar cage which extends at least partially circumferentially in
a peripheral direction U. A plurality of contact lamellae 220, 221,
in each case extending in a longitudinal direction L, are thereby
arranged next to one another in the peripheral direction U. The
contact lamellae 220, 221 in each case extend, starting out from a
first connecting body 250, in the form of a partial ring or ring
segment as far as a second connecting body 251 in the form of a
partial ring or ring segment.
The contact lamella part shown in FIG. 3a can be manufactured by
bending the flat contact lamella part illustrated in FIG. 2 into a
ring, so that, in terms of the arrangement and structure of the
contact lamellae 220, 221, reference can be made to the above
explanations.
In particular, the contact lamellae are in each case, at least in
the region of their contact zones 230, 231, twisted or tilted
around their own axis. Each contact lamella has a torsion web 225
which, starting out from a contact lamella end, is increasingly
tilted in relation to a lamella plane, wherein the region of
maximum tilting defines the contact zone of the respective contact
lamella. The lamella plane is thereby defined through a tangent
plane to an untilted radial outer surface of the torsion web.
As in the case of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the contact
zones of two adjacent contact lamellae are arranged offset in
relation to one another in the longitudinal direction L, so that an
alternating arrangement of the contact zones in the peripheral
direction results. Instead of the illustrated alternating
arrangement of the contact zones, a different sequence of the
contact zones in the peripheral direction can be provided.
The contact lamella part 200 is intended for the transmission of an
electrical current between a first contact element such as a
contact socket and a second contact element such as a contact pin.
The first lateral edges 240 of the contact zones 230, 231 which
project radially outwards are intended to establish electrical
contact with an inner wall of the contact socket under mechanical
preload, and the second lateral edges 241 of the contact zones 230,
231 which project inwards into an inner volume of the lamellar cage
are intended to establish electrical contact with an outer wall of
the contact pin under mechanical preload. This can be seen
particularly clearly in FIG. 3B. Furthermore, it can be seen in
FIG. 3B that the torsion webs of the contact lamellae are in each
case tilted in the same direction around their respective
longitudinal axes A in relation to their respective lamella
planes.
FIG. 4 shows the embodiment of a contact lamella part 200 according
to the invention illustrated in FIG. 3A together with a contact
element in the form of a contact pin 520. For the purpose of
coupling, the contact pin 520 is introduced in a plugging direction
S into an inner volume of the partially annular contact lamella
part 200.
During the course of the coupling procedure, the contact zones 230
of the first contact lamellae 220 which are tilted in relation to
the peripheral direction U are first elastically deformed, in that
they are forced radially outwards by the outer wall of the contact
pin 520 and are thereby partially twisted back. Only then are the
contact zones 231 of the second contact lamellae 221, which are
also tilted in relation to the peripheral direction U and which are
offset in relation to the contact zones 230 of the first contact
lamellae 220 by a distance A1 in the longitudinal direction L,
which corresponds to the plugging direction S, elastically
deformed. This facilitates the coupling procedure.
FIG. 5A shows a plug connector 500 according to the invention with
a contact lamella part 200 received in a contact socket 510. The
contact lamella part 200 can have projections such as noses 512
which project radially outwards, by means of which the contact
lamella part 200 can be fixed in the contact socket 510. FIG. 5B
shows the plug connector 500 shown in FIG. 5A in a perspective
view.
The contact socket 510 is substantially hollow cylindrical in form
and is designed to allow the insertion of a complementary-formed
contact pin 520 in the plugging direction S.
The contact lamella part 200 has a plurality of contact lamellae
220, 221 arranged next to one another in a peripheral direction U
and extending in the plugging direction S, the contact zones of
which are tilted around their respective lamella axis in such a way
that their first lateral edges 240 establish electrical contact
with an inner wall of the contact socket 510 surrounding the
contact lamella part and their second lateral edges 241 project
into an inner volume 550 surrounded by the contact lamella part
intended to receive the contact pin 520.
The contact zones of adjacent contact lamellae are in each case
arranged offset in the plugging direction in relation to one
another. Furthermore, the width progressions of adjacent contact
lamellae are in each case substantially inverse in relation to one
another. On the one hand, this makes possible a simpler coupling
procedure. On the one hand, due to the short current paths, a low
contact resistance can be made possible, so that the contact
lamella part according to the invention is suitable for the
transmission of high currents. Furthermore, a good shielding effect
can be provided, so that the contact lamella part according to the
invention can be used for the transmission of signals or in order
to shield one of more signal conductors.
Instead of the single alternating arrangement of the contact zones
of adjacent contact lamellae 220, 221 in two contact planes
illustrated in the figures, other sequences can also be provided.
If those contact lamellae whose contact zones are located in the
first contact plane E1 are designated with X, and those contact
lamellae whose contact zones are located in the second contact
plane E2 are designated with Y, instead of the single alternating
sequence XYXYXY which is illustrated in the figures, a double
alternating sequence XXYYXXYY or a multiply alternating sequence
XXXXYYYYXXXXYYYY or similar can for example be provided in the
direction of extension of the support strips U. Alternatively, a
symmetric alternating sequence XYYXYY, XXYXXY, XYYYXYYY, XXXYXXXY
or similar can be provided. As a further alternative, the sequence
of the contact lamellae X and the contact lamellae Y may not be
alternating, for example XYYXXYYY or similar. As a further
alternative, a third group of contact lamellae Z are provided, the
contact zones of which are offset in the longitudinal direction L
both in relation to the contact zones of the first contact lamellae
X as well as in relation to the contact zones Y of the second
contact lamellae.
While the present invention has been particularly described, in
conjunction with a specific preferred embodiment, it is evident
that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be
apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing
description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims
will embrace any such alternatives, modifications and variations as
falling within the true scope and spirit of the present
invention.
* * * * *